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All-American Mark Sears will return to Alabama after withdrawing from NBA draft

Mark Sears announced he will withdraw from the 2024 NBA draft and return to Alabama for his last year of eligibility.

Senior Mark Sears announced Wednesday on X, formerly known as Twitter, that he will withdraw from the 2024 NBA draft and return to the University of Alabama for his last year of eligibility.

The news was first reported by Jonathan Givony of ESPN.

Sears, who played the last two seasons with the Crimson Tide, declared for the draft on April 17 while retaining the option to return to school. He participated in the draft combine this month in Chicago, Illinois, and recorded 11 points and two steals in one scrimmage game.

Alabama coach Nate Oats said last week Sears would likely wait until Wednesday to make a decision after working out with the Houston Rockets and Milwaukee Bucks. The deadline to withdraw from the draft and return to school is Wednesday at 11:59 p.m. EDT.

Sears was a consensus second-team All-American after averaging 21.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, four assists and 1.6 steals on 43.6% shooting from 3-point range. He set the program record for most points scored in a single season (797).

The 22-year-old was the first Division I player in the last 31 years with at least 795 points, 150 rebounds, 145 assists and 95 3-pointers in a season. He also set the single-season program records for 20-point games (26) and free throws made (198).

His return figures to be a big addition for the Crimson Tide next season. The team has the second-ranked recruiting class in 2024 after signing top-30 prospects Derrion Reid (No. 16) and Aiden Sherrell (No. 30) and adding Clifford Omoruyi and Aden Holloway via the transfer portal.

Alabama earned a berth in the NCAA Tournament for the fourth straight season after posting a 25-12 record. They advanced to the Final Four for the first time in history.

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Alex Karaban to return to UConn for junior year after testing NBA draft

Alex Karaban announced Wednesday that he will withdraw from the 2024 NBA draft and return to UConn for his junior year.

Alex Karaban announced Wednesday on X, formerly known as Twitter, that he will withdraw from the 2024 NBA draft and return to UConn for his junior year.

Karaban declared for the draft on April 18 while maintaining his remaining college eligibility. He averaged eight points, two rebounds and one assist in two scrimmage games at the draft combine this month in Chicago, Illinois. He also worked out with the Portland Trail Blazers.

The 21-year-old helped the Huskies to their second straight championship after averaging 13.3 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.5 assists on 37.9% shooting from 3-point range. He produced eight 20-point games, including a season-high 26 points and seven rebounds on Dec. 9.

Karaban was considered a borderline first-round pick this year, given his ability as a shooter and cutter on offense. He has also shown promise on the defensive side of the ball with the Huskies and is a smart player with a great feel for the game.

His return to the program is a big addition for Dan Hurley after the team lost Donovan Clingan, Stephon Castle, Tristen Newton and Cam Spencer to the NBA draft. He was their third-leading scorer last season and has started 77 out of 78 games in two years.

Hurley and the Huskies signed top-50 prospects Liam McNeeley (No. 10) and Ahmad Nowell (No. 31) to the roster next season. They also add Aidan Mahaney (Saint Mary’s) and Tarris Reed Jr. (Michigan) via the transfer portal.

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Report: Cam Christie, a projected second-round pick, will remain in NBA draft

Former Minnesota forward Cam Christie will reportedly forgo his remaining college eligibility and remain in the 2024 NBA draft.

Former Minnesota guard Cam Christie will reportedly forgo his remaining college eligibility and stay in the 2024 NBA draft, according to Jonathan Givony of ESPN.

Christie, the younger brother of Los Angeles Lakers guard Max Christie, was named to the Big Ten All-Freshman team this past season after averaging 11.3 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists on 39.1% shooting from 3-point range in 33 games.

He scored in double figures 21 times, including a season-high 23 points and four rebounds on Feb. 28 in a loss to Illinois. He ranked second on the team and ninth in the conference in total 3-pointers (70).

Christie declared for the draft on April 12 and left open the option to return to school. He measured in at 6 feet, 4 1/2 inches barefoot with a 6-foot, 8-inch wingspan and registered the 11th-fastest three-quarter sprint this month at the draft combine in Chicago, Illinois.

He is projected to be an early second-round pick, given his ability to score at all three levels and defensive versatility. He has a smooth jumper and dazzled as a shooter on the catch and move with the Golden Gophers. He will likely intrigue teams in his range as a floor spacer.

Christie, who will turn 19 in July, seeks to become the fifth player from Minnesota drafted since 2000 and the first since Daniel Oturo in 2020 (No. 33).

The 2024 NBA draft will take place June 26-27 in New York City.

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Projected second-round pick KJ Simpson to remain in 2024 NBA draft

Colorado junior KJ Simpson will reportedly forgo his remaining college eligibility and stay in the 2024 NBA draft.

Colorado junior KJ Simpson will reportedly forgo his remaining college eligibility and stay in the 2024 NBA draft, according to Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports.

Simpson was named to the All-Pac-12 first team after averaging 19.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 1.6 steals on 43.4% shooting from 3-point range. He set single-season program records for free-throw percentage (87.6), minutes (1,298) and double-digit-scoring games (35).

The 6-foot-1 guard was the only player in a Power Five conference to average at least 19 points, five rebounds and four assists this past season. He ranked second in the Pac-12 in scoring and assist-to-turnover ratio (2.2) and third in assists.

Simpson has capitalized on a strong predraft process after emerging as one of the standouts at the combine this month in Chicago, Illinois. He played with great control, averaging 13.5 points, five rebounds and two assists in two scrimmage games.

The 21-year-old is considered a potential second-round pick. He is highly touted as a scorer, given his burst and ability to finish at the rim, and he has shown some flashes on defense. He registered the seventh-highest max vertical jump at the combine (40 1/2 inches).

Simpson has worked out with the Denver Nuggets so far in the predraft process. He will continue to schedule other team visits, especially those in his draft range.

The 2024 NBA draft will take place June 26-27 in New York City.

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Woj: USC freshman Bronny James to forgo eligibility, remain in NBA draft

Former USC guard Bronny James will forgo his remaining college eligibility and remain in the 2024 NBA draft.

Former USC guard Bronny James will forgo his remaining college eligibility and remain in the 2024 NBA draft, his agent, Rich Paul, told Adrian Wojnarowski and Jonathan Givony of ESPN.

James announced on April 5 that he would test the draft and enter the NCAA transfer portal after one season with the Trojans. He participated in the draft combine in Chicago, Illinois, and the Klutch Sports Group pro day this month in Los Angeles, California.

He measured in at 6 feet, 1 1/2 inches barefoot with a 6-foot, 7 1/4-inch wingspan at the combine and averaged 8.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, one assist and one steal in two scrimmages. He shot 19-of-25 in the 3-point star drill and registered the sixth-best max vertical (40 1/2 inches).

James was cleared by a fitness-to-play panel this month after he was diagnosed with an “anatomically and functionally significant congenital heart defect” last year. He was sidelined for four months after a cardiac arrest in July and eventually debuted with the Trojans on Dec. 10.

The 19-year-old averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists on 36.6% shooting from the field in 25 games. He scored in double figures three times, including a season-high 15 points and three assists on Dec. 30 in a loss to Oregon State.

James is expected to be selective with his predraft workouts and is only scheduled to visit the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns. Paul told ESPN they are open to landing with any team, depending on the development plan, opportunity and other factors.

The 2024 NBA draft will take place June 26-27 in New York City.

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WATCH: Chiefs TE Jared Wiley catches pass at OTAs

Check out this video of fourth-round pick Jared Wiley catching a pass at #Chiefs OTAs this week

The Kansas City Chiefs added a promising tight end prospect to their roster in the 2024 NFL draft when they selected TCU tight end Jared Wiley.

A massive target with sure hands, Wiley should pair well with Travis Kelce in the Chiefs’ new-look offense next season, providing Patrick Mahomes a much-needed safety valve over the middle.

Though he will have to wait a few months to make his regular season debut, Wiley was seen catching a pass at practice this week, giving fans their first look at Kansas City’s newest tight end.

Check out the video that was posted by the Chiefs’ official Twitter account below:

While Wiley won’t be a starter for Kansas City in 2024, his potential to develop into the heir to Kelce’s throne has been a topic of discussion in Chiefs Kingdom since the draft.

For now, fans will have to wait to see if Wiley can live up to the hype.

Sion James transfers to Duke after withdrawing from 2024 NBA draft

Former Tulane guard Sion James has reportedly withdrawn from the 2024 NBA draft and will transfer to Duke.

Former Tulane guard Sion James has reportedly withdrawn from the 2024 NBA draft and will transfer to Duke, according to Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports.

James declared for the draft on April 9 while maintaining his final year of college eligibility. He participated in predraft workouts with the Detroit Pistons and Memphis Grizzlies before pulling his name from consideration.

The four-star prospect also entered the transfer portal last month after four years with the Green Wave. He was the No. 65 overall player and 11th-ranked shooting guard on the market, according to 247Sports. He signed with the Blue Devils on May 13.

James averaged 14 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.6 steals on 38.1% shooting from 3-point range. He registered six 20-point games, including a season-high 28 points and 10 rebounds on March 14 in a loss to North Texas in the American Athletic Conference Tournament.

The 21-year-old emerged as a vocal leader and a workhorse on the court, ranking 13th in the country in minutes per game (36.7). He will provide the Blue Devils with veteran experience and leadership, traits that were commended by head coach Jon Scheyer.

The Blue Devils have the top-ranked class in 2024, led by top-25 prospects Cooper Flagg (No. 1), Khaman Maluach (No. 4) and Isaiah Evans (No. 13). They also add Cameron Sheffield (Rice), Mason Gillis (Purdue) and Maliq Brown (Syracuse) via the transfer portal.

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Former San Diego State star Lamont Butler to withdraw from draft, transfer to Kentucky

Former San Diego State guard Lamont Butler has reportedly withdrawn from the 2024 NBA draft and will transfer to Kentucky.

Former San Diego State senior Lamont Butler has reportedly withdrawn from the 2024 NBA draft and will transfer to Kentucky, according to Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports.

Butler declared for the draft on April 5 while maintaining his remaining college eligibility. He also opted to enter the transfer portal after four years with San Diego State and announced on April 27 that he had committed to head coach Mark Pope at Kentucky.

The 21-year-old was the second player since 1997 with at least 1,000 career points, 330 assists, 300 rebounds and 175 steals for the program. He finished ranked fifth in steals (183), 10th in assists (338) and 12th in games (131).

Butler was named the 2024 Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year after averaging 9.3 points, three assists, 2.6 rebounds and 1.5 steals on 42.1% shooting from the field in 37 games. He also left the program as a three-time all-defensive team selection.

The 6-foot-2 guard will join the inaugural class at Kentucky under Pope. The team also added Ansley Almonor (Fairleigh Dickinson), Kerr Kriisa (West Virginia), Koby Brea (Dayton) and Brandon Garrison (Oklahoma State), among others, via the transfer portal.

Pope signed a five-year contract last month to succeed John Calipari as the Wildcats’ head coach. The contract is reportedly worth $27.5 million, starting at $5 million next season.

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Report: San Francisco junior Jonathan Mogbo to remain in 2024 NBA draft

Mogbo was named to the All-ACC first team this past season after averaging 14.2 points, 10.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.6 steals.

San Francisco junior Jonathan Mogbo will reportedly remain in the 2024 NBA draft after one season with the Dons, according to Jonathan Givony of ESPN.

Mogbo was named to the All-WCC first team after averaging 14.2 points, 10.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.6 steals on 63.6% shooting from the field. He ranked 10th in the country in field-goal percentage and was one of 16 players to average a double-double.

The 6-foot-7 forward was named the West Coast Conference Newcomer of the Year. He registered five 20-point games, including a season-high 30 points, 18 rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block on Jan. 4 in a win over Pacific.

Mogbo is rising up draft boards and is projected to be a second-round pick after impressing at the combine in Chicago, Illinois. He averaged 3.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and two steals in two scrimmage games, and had the fifth-fastest three-quarter sprint (3.02 seconds).

The 22-year-old is highly touted as a scorer, given his ability to handle the ball and finish at the rim. He is athletic and projects to be a good rim-roller and lob threat. His size and 7-foot, 2-inch wingspan allow him to rebound and defend multiple positions.

Mogbo has participated in several predraft workouts with teams, including the Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans Pelicans. He will likely continue to visit teams, especially those in his draft range.

The 2024 NBA draft will take place June 26-27 in New York City.

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Mountain West Freshman of the Year JT Toppin to transfer to Texas Tech

Former New Mexico freshman JT Toppin has withdrawn from the 2024 NBA draft and will transfer to Texas Tech.

Former New Mexico freshman JT Toppin has withdrawn from the 2024 NBA draft and will transfer to Texas Tech University, the program announced on Tuesday.

Toppin declared for the draft last month while maintaining his remaining college eligibility. He also entered the transfer portal on April 30 after one season with the Lobos and was the fifth-ranked power forward on the market, according to 247Sports.

The 6-foot-8 forward participated in the draft combine in Chicago, Illinois, averaging 10.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, one assist and one steal in two scrimmage games. He also worked out with the Boston Celtics and San Antonio Spurs.

Toppin was named the Mountain West Freshman of the Year after averaging 12.4 points, 9.1 rebounds, 1.9 blocks and 1.1 assists on 62.3% shooting from the field. He led all freshmen in the country in field-goal percentage and double-doubles (12).

The four-star prospect chose Texas Tech over programs like Kansas State and Texas, among others. The team also adds Elijah Hawkins (Minnesota), Fede Federiko (Pitt) and Kevin Overton (Drake) via the transfer portal for next season.

The Red Raiders finished third in the Big 12 this past season under first-year head coach Grant McCasland with a 23-11 record. They lost in the first round to NC State.

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